Emergency Lighting System

ABSTRACT

An emergency lighting system initiated by the wireless or wired alarm signal of a smoke detector or other alarm device. Once the alarm signal has been received the emergency lighting system will cause any light connected to the system to either be turned on providing light for any persons present, or alternatively, the emergency lighting system will pulse the light as a visual warning indicator to those present. The lighting system causes connected light(s) to pulse during a daytime light condition or when there is sufficient ambient light in the room. At night, or when the room is dark, the lighting system will turn on the light(s) to provide light for any persons present; lighting the area for a safer egress out of the building. The emergency lighting system is a device that can be installed in a light bulb socket or built in to a wall plate light switch. Also, the emergency lighting system could be built in to lighting fixtures by a manufacturer.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally pertains to emergency lighting systems,more particularly the invention pertains to emergency lighting systemsthat are activated via wireless or wired alarm signal, and even moreparticularly to emergency lighting systems that incorporate on/offswitches or motion detectors for everyday use and yet function asemergency lighting systems upon entering a state of alarm.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Emergency lighting systems come in many sizes and shapes. Typically theyare a system of lights that work to provide light during an emergency.These systems can be designed and installed to lead people to exitlocations so they can leave a building during a time of emergency.Emergency lighting systems also tend to be costly to purchase and can bedifficult to install in pre-existing buildings. Mostly emergency lightsand lighting systems are used solely for emergency purposes and simplysit there waiting to be used the balance of the time.

Therefore, there is a need in the art, for an emergency lighting systemthat can be used as an everyday light, one that is easily installed inan a light fixture or can be put in place of existing wall switch plate,is readily usable in a variety of locations and conditions, and whichbenefits occupants by illuminating and or warning them of an emergencyin the building.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an emergency lighting system that isactivated via wire or wireless alarm signal from a smoke detector orother alarm device. It provides light or visual warning to personspresent to either light their surroundings for safer egress or warn thatan emergency may exist. It is easy to install and easy to use. It issuited for use in existing buildings or can be built into newconstruction.

The emergency lighting system consists of individual devices thatcontrol at least one connected light. The individual devices will alsowork together by transmitting their own alarm signals that then activateother emergency lighting system devices in the area. Thus each deviceworks independently, as well as in concert in the case of multipledevices connected in the proximate area, to activate connected lightsand provide illumination for warning or egress.

Each time an emergency lighting system device receives an alarm signalit will provide emergency light control as well as send out its ownalarm signal to activate other emergency lighting system devices thatmay not have been reached by the original alarm signal transmission.

Another aspect of the present emergency lighting system is that it isalso used to turn on and off connected lights as any normal lightswitch. Thus the emergency lighting system serves as normal light switchwhile at the same time providing the benefit of an emergency lightingsystem should an emergency arise and the system enter into a state ofalarm.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration showing the emergency lighting systemin a light present, non-alarm condition.

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration showing the emergency lighting systemin a light present condition, actively receiving an alarm signal.

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration showing the emergency lighting systemin a light present condition, while not receiving an alarm signal,holding timer initiated.

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration showing the emergency lighting systemin the absence of light, actively receiving an alarm signal.

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration showing the emergency lighting systemin the absence of light, while not receiving an alarm signal, holdingtime initiated.

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration showing the emergency lighting systemworking in conjunction with an external motion detector.

FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration showing the emergency lighting systemworking in conjunction with an ultrasonic occupancy sensor.

FIG. 8 is a partial front elevation view of a floor plan employing theemergency lighting system and illustrating the device interconnectivityvia wireless transmitter.

FIG. 9A is a partial perspective view of one embodiment of the emergencylighting system installed in a table lamp.

FIG. 9B is a partial perspective view of one embodiment of the emergencylighting system to be installed in an existing light fixture.

FIG. 10A is a partial perspective view of one embodiment of theemergency lighting system incorporating a wall light switch.

FIG. 10B is a partial perspective view of one embodiment of theemergency lighting system incorporating a wall light switch without thewall plate cover.

FIG. 10C is a partial perspective view of one embodiment of theemergency lighting system incorporating a wall light switch with anoption point used to hardwire security systems or other external devicesto the emergency lighting system.

FIG. 11 is a schematic illustration showing the emergency lightingsystem with a hardwire option in a light present, non-alarm condition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention will now be described with reference to thefigures provided. The figure numbering in this section corresponds tothe figure numbering in the Brief Description of the Drawings.

Before the present invention is disclosed and described, it is to beunderstood that this innovation is not limited to specific devises,systems, or methodology which can vary; the terminology used herein isfor the purpose of describing particular embodiments and is not intendedto limiting. Embodiments according to the present invention provide anemergency lighting system. In one embodiment the system is comprised ofrelays, timers, photo cells, transformers, manual switches, wirelesstransmitters and receivers, all of which are known in the art, and worksin conjunction with a host fixture such as an incandescent orfluorescent fixtures which are known in the art.

The embodiment of FIG. 9B is designed to be incorporated into a hostfixture for an incandescent, fluorescent, or other bulb type lightinggenerally operating on alternating current (AC) electricity as theprimary power source. FIG. 9B shows a medium screw base, as is commonlyused in household applications, but can be resized to most any formatincluding but not limited to intermediate screw, mogul screw, mono-poleand bi-pole prefocus bases, and other light bulb types.

One embodiment of the present emergency lighting system is the housingassembly of FIG. 9B which encloses the FIG. 1 component design. In FIG.1 a wireless receiver and transmitter with normally open contacts, asare well known in the art, is available to receive a wirelesstransmission from an external emergency or alarm transmitter, such as asmoke detector or other source. Receipt of an alarm signal closes thewireless receiver and transmitter's normally open contacts energizingthe R-4 relay coil and closing the R-4 relay contacts. The now closedR-4 contacts establish power between terminals 2 and 1 of the holdingtimer. The activation of the holding timer provides power to the R-3relay coil, closing the two normally open R-3 relay contacts.Thereafter, the holding timer will provide power to the R-3 relay coilfor a specific amount of time even after the R-4 relay contacts revertto their normally open condition. The closure of the R-3 relay contactsallows continuity to the load side of the manual switch establishingcontinuity to the line side of the normally closed R-2 relay contactsand providing current to the attached light. Through the application ofa photocell, a component known in the art, the R-1 relay coil willenergize and close the R-1 relay contacts if the photocell detectssufficient ambient light. In the presence of sufficient ambient lightthe closed R-1 relay contacts provide continuity to an incorporatedpulse timer, a device known in the art. Upon initiation the pulse timerenergizes and de-energizes the R-2 relay coil; this in turn opens andcloses the R-2 relay contacts pulsing an attached light.

A second embodiment of the present invention is the component design ofFIG. 6 which can be housed in the lamp conversion kit of FIG. 9B as wellas the wall light switch of FIG. 10C. In FIG. 6 a wireless receiver andtransmitter with normally open contacts, as are well known in the art,is available to receive a wireless transmission from an externalemergency or alarm transmitter, such as a smoke detector or othersource. Receipt of an alarm signal closes the wireless receiver andtransmitter's normally open contacts energizing the R-4 relay coil andclosing the R-4 relay contacts. The now closed R-4 contacts establishpower between terminals 2 and 1 of the holding timer. The activation ofthe holding timer provides power to the R-3 relay coil, closing thethree normally open R-3 relay contacts. The closure of the R-3 contacts,terminals 5 and 6, bypass an incorporated motion detector, a device wellknown in the art; this provides continuity through the normally closedR-2 contacts which allows voltage to pass to the attached light.Thereafter, the holding timer will provide power to the R-3 relay coilfor a specific amount of time even after the R-4 relay contacts revertto their normally open condition. Through the application of aphotocell, a component known in the art, the R-1 relay coil willenergize and close the R-1 relay contacts if the photocell detectssufficient ambient light. In the presence of sufficient ambient lightthe closed R-1 relay contacts provide continuity to an incorporatedpulse timer, a device known in the art. Upon initiation, the pulse timerenergizes and de-energizes the R-2 relay coil; this in turn opens andcloses the R-2 relay contacts pulsing an attached light.

Another embodiment of the present invention is the emergency lightingsystem which incorporates an occupancy sensor similar to UltrasonicOccupancy Sensor W-500A, W-1000, W-2000A, and W-2000H as shown in thecomponent design of FIG. 7. In this embodiment, with a closed manualswitch, the occupancy sensor has potential and will close its internalcontacts and provide continuity to the load and provide light when thesensor detects occupancy. Nonetheless, the emergency lighting systemmaintains ostensible control over the system; whereupon an alarm stateis engaged the emergency lighting system will close its relay contactsin the sequence previously described for FIG. 9B and FIG. 1.

A further embodiment of the present invention is the emergency lightingsystem, as illustrated in component design FIG. 1, FIG. 6, or FIG. 7,which has been incorporated into a host fixture for an incandescent,fluorescent, LED, or other form of lighting. See FIG. 9A.

Another embodiment of the present invention is the emergency lightingsystem is the wall switch housing in FIG. 10C which incorporates thecomponent design of FIG. 11. The wall switch housing of FIG. 10C isdesigned to replace a standard wall switch as is commonly found inhouses, businesses, and commercial buildings. Once installed it willfunction as an ordinary wall switch does but with the added benefit andability of the emergency lighting system as described previously for theFIG. 1 component design and FIG. 9B lamp conversion kit. This componentdesign is virtually identical to that of FIG. 1. The wall switch optionas shown in FIG. 10C does not rely solely on wireless technology. Thewall switch embodiment can be hardwired into a house alarm systemsequence of operation; a smoke detector group; or other similarhardwired alarm systems. The hardwired contact points as well as thewireless transmitter/receiver begin the sequence of operation previouslydescribed above for FIG. 1.

We claim: 1) An emergency lighting system which shall either providelight in a time of emergency to any occupants in the area or pulse alight as a visual warning indicator to let any and all present know ofthe emergency conditions. The emergency lighting system will enter analarm state upon receiving a signal from a smoke detector with awireless transmitter (such as a Kidde 0919-9999/RF-SM-DC BatteryOperated Smoke Alarm) or other wireless transmitting or wired alarmdevice. Once in a state of alarm the emergency lighting system willcause at least one light to be switched on and provide light during thistime of emergency. Also, depending upon the quantity of ambient light,the emergency lighting system will alternatively pulse the connectedlight(s) providing a visual warning indicator that an emergencycondition may exist. When not in a state of alarm, the emergencylighting system devices allow on/off light operation as a normal on/offlight switch. 2) The emergency lighting system of claim 1 which alsocontains a wireless transmitter; upon entering a state of alarm, thewireless transmitter will send out a signal that will activatesubsequent emergency lighting system devices. 3) The emergency lightingsystem of claim 2 which uses a photo electric cell to determine theambient light of the room, if the room is dark the emergency lightingsystem will turn on the connected light(s) illuminating the area so thata person can safely exit the building, if the room has sufficientambient light the emergency lighting system will pulse the connectedlights as a visual warning. 4) The emergency lighting system of claim 3will turn on connected light(s) if it is dark, and will leave on anyconnected light(s) that are already on if it is dark. 5) The emergencylighting system of claim 4 will pulse connected light(s) if it is lightin the room whether or not the lights are already turned on. 6) Theemergency lighting system of claim 5 will begin operation upon receivingan alarm signal and will continue operation while receiving the wirelessalarm signal. 7) The emergency lighting system of claim 6 will continueto operate for a fixed amount of time after termination of the alarmsignal and will then return the light(s) to its pre-alarm setting. 8)The emergency lighting system of claim 7 is a device that can be screwedinto any normal light bulb receptacle such as can be found in most anyhousehold table lamp, floor lamp, or lighting fixture and has a built inreceptacle where a light bulb can be screwed into the emergency lightingsystem device. 9) The emergency lighting system of claim 7 is a devicewhich is built into a wall plate light switch in lieu of being screwedinto a light bulb receptacle. The wall plate switch would then beinstalled on a wall, connected to light(s) and allow normal on/off lightswitching to occur unless a state of emergency exists. 10) The emergencylighting system of claim 9 contains hard wire option points that allowit to receive alarm condition signals via wire from other alarm devices.11) The emergency lighting system of claim 7 is a device which could beinstalled into a manufacturer's light fixture allowing it receive andsend alarm signals from nearby emergency lighting system devices. 12)The emergency lighting system of claim 7 can incorporate a motiondetector or occupancy sensor so that it will turn on lights when motionis detected and those lights can still be controlled by the emergencylighting system device during a state of alarm or emergency. 13) Amethod of alerting and or providing light for building occupants duringa time of emergency; upon receipt of an alarm condition signal eitherfrom a smoke detector, wireless alarm device or another emergencylighting system member, the system will energize and either providelight if the room is dark, lighting the area for safe passage, or if theroom is light the system will pulse the connected lights to provide avisual warning of the emergency status. 14) The method of claim 13 whichincludes a photo electric cell to determine the quantity of light in theroom. 15) The method of claim 14 wherein depending upon the quantity oflight in the room the emergency lighting system device will either turnon connected light(s) if it is dark, providing light for safe egressfrom the building or pulse connected light(s) as a visual warning tothose in the area in the case that there is sufficient ambient light.16) The method of claim 15 which includes an emergency lighting systemthat will remain in a constant state of readiness once it has beeninstalled and power is provided to the system. 17) The method of claim16 which includes a system that can override the current lightingcondition of connected lights, take control of them to provide light orpulse connected lights in warning, until such time as the alarmcondition has subsided. 18) The method of claim 17 which includes atimer that will keep the emergency lighting system active and uponexpiration of that time will then return the connected lights to theirpre-alarm condition. 19) The method of claim 18 which includes awireless transmitter to re-transmit the alarm condition to otheremergency lighting system devices thus extending their effective range;this daisy-chaining of devices provides greater coverage of the buildingto provide light and or alert to those present; a series of devicescould potentially illuminate an entire building helping provide lightfor safe exit from virtually any location, in this way a single signalfrom one smoke detector or other alarm device could warn someone on theopposite side of the building and or provide them light for theirescape. 20) The method of claim 19 allows a hard wire option point toreceive a signal from a home alarm system thus turning on or pulsingconnected light(s); the wireless transmitter then broadcasts its ownalarm signal to other emergency lighting system devices starting thedaisy-chain or “safety-link” process turning on or pulsing thoseconnected lights as well; thus providing visual warning and orpotentially warding off intruders. 21) The method of claim 19 whichincludes a motion detector or occupancy sensor to turn on lights whenmotion is detected and yet still be subject to override and control bythe emergency lighting system should an alarm condition or state ofemergency exist.